Wilderdays
SETTING
Outdoors
WHERE
Brighton
What it’s like
Woodland sessions in Stanmer Park where kids climb trees, cook on a campfire and try ropes courses and foraging.
Tucked into the woods behind Stanmer House, this is forest school done properly outdoors, with a fire circle, a tarpaulin shelter and a bell tent for wet days. Kids climb trees, tackle ropes courses, whittle, forage and cook their own lunch over the campfire. There's forest bathing and natural crafts too, so it suits a child who's happy getting muddy more than one who wants a tidy activity sheet.
Sessions are aimed at ages 5 to 15, and lunch and snacks are provided as part of the event. You can bring a camping chair if sitting on log rounds for a few hours doesn't appeal. The site isn't fenced off from the public track through the park, and there's fire, trip hazards, trees and ropes around, so younger ones need watching closely rather than left to wander.
Getting there takes a bit of planning. You park in the main car park behind Stanmer House and walk about 10 minutes to the meeting point, so they ask you to arrive 20 to 30 minutes early to cover parking and the walk. Parking is paid via PayByPhone in the car park, not by cash or card at a machine, which catches people out if they haven't got the app ready. The number 78 bus runs to a church stop near the car park if you'd rather not drive.
There's a compost toilet close to the site and the whole thing is wheelchair accessible, though it's worth picturing what "woodland garden" means underfoot before you commit to a buggy.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 5 to 15, with close supervision needed for younger ones
- Parking
- Paid parking in main car park via PayByPhone (no cash or card machines)
- Food
- Lunch and snacks provided for public events
- Getting there by bus or train
- Number 78 bus every hour to church near new car park
- Bring a camping chair if you don't fancy the log rounds
- There's a bell tent and shelter for wet weather, so rain isn't a reason to cancel
- The meeting point is by an orange shipping container at the back of the car park if you're new to the site
- A compost toilet sits close to the site rather than a standard block
Plan your visit
What ages is this for?
Forest school sessions are aimed at ages 5 to 15.
Do we need to bring food?
Lunch and snacks are provided for public events, though you can bring your own snacks and water too.
Where do we park and how do we pay?
You park behind Stanmer House in the main car park, and it's paid parking via PayByPhone. The machines don't take cash or card, so have the app ready.
Can we get there without a car?
The number 78 bus runs to a church stop near the car park, roughly hourly.
How early should we arrive?
Aim for 20 to 30 minutes before the start time. It's about a 10 minute walk from the car park to the meeting point, and they like to start with everyone together.
Is it safe for younger kids?
There's fire, trip hazards, trees to climb and ropes on site, and it isn't fenced off from the public track, so younger children need close supervision throughout.
See all Forest School & Outdoor Learning in Brighton · Things to do in Brighton
MAKE A DAY OF IT
